Buying a Gun in California

With many recent first-time purchasers surprised by the identification and documentation required to purchase a firearm in CA, we have provided this step-by step list of the items you’ll need before you come down to the store. If you do not have these items with you (emailed copies of qualifying bills are accepted), you will not be able to start your background check.

• To buy any gun in CA, you need a valid CA ID with your CURRENT ADDRESS on it.
  • Look at your ID. If the top right corner says FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY, you must also have a Passport, Green Card, or US Birth Certificate
  • If your ID has the wrong address, you need a current/valid document from the GOVERNMENT with your current address.
    • Car Registration
    • Municipal Water Bill
    • CA DMV Driver’s Record Printout
    • CA Fishing or Hunting Permit, if it includes your address
• If you made it this far, you can buy a rifle or shotgun

• If you want to buy a HANDGUN, you also need a second proof of residence at your current address.
  • Any physical services like utilities can work. If your license has your correct address, you can use your vehicle registration or other item from the previous list as your second proof of address.
    • Can use a recent bill from Water, Cable/Internet, SDGE Power, Mortgage or Deed to house, etc.
    • Can’t use insurance, federal tax, VA, medical, etc.

• You’ll need to have a CA Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC).
  • You may obtain an FSC here by paying $25 and taking a 30-question True-False/Multiple Choice test. You can miss up to 7 questions and still pass. $26 laminated. The FSC is good for 5 years from the date of issue. Lost cards might not be replaceable, so be sure to keep track of it!

• MILITARY EXEMPTION: if you are active duty stationed here, you need your military ID, copy of your orders with PCS (not TDY) to CA, and one bill or piece of mail tying you to an address in California.